Otty Lake Association

Welcome to the Otty Lake Association Website

New Online Registration
for Open Air Burn Permits

A permit is required for all open air burning. Residents who registered for a permit prior to June 1, 2021 and have until November 30, 2021 to re-apply.

Complete your permit application online at dnetv.burnpermits.com or call 613-267-2596. Permits are free. If you are a tenant, permission from the property owner must be obtained.

Summer Information Packages

May 21, 2021. Your area counsellor will be making contact with you within the next month or so. This dedicated group of volunteers are available to answer your questions, collect membership dues, and share information from the Otty Lake Association. . See a map of the areas and see a list of area counsellors. These representaives will also ensure that your contact information  is current and provide an Otty Lake map to every paid up member. Have a great summer everyone!

 

Household Hazardous Waste Depots Now Open

Local household hazardous waste (HHW) depots are now open. Tay Valley residents can use the Middleville site from May 22 to Oct. 9, DNE residents should use the depot in Carleton Place, May 22 - Sept. 4. Both are Saturdays only!  See poster for location and items accepted. Be prepared to show proof of residency.

A Word of Thanks to our Lake Steward, Derek Smith

For the past ten years, Derek Smith has made significant contributions to the water quality program on Otty Lake. Working with our former Lake Steward Murray Hunt, Derek supported the testing program, helped interpret our water quality data, and did site visits around the lake to investigate algae or aquatic vegetation reported by residents. And for the past four years Derek has served as Lake Steward himself, bringing his considerable experience and expertise to managing all elements of our water testing and monitoring program, including answering residents' questions about our lake. We have all benefited significantly from his diligence and commitment to Otty Lake.

This is Derek's last year as Lake Steward on Otty Lake when he'll be handing the job over to Kevin Terrion who will work with a small group of volunteers to continue the water quality work.

Thank you Derek for the years of dedication to Otty Lake, and we hope to be able to continue benefiting from your expertise as a kowledgeable lake resident for years to come.

Lyme Disease, Ticks and You
May 6 and May 20

The Perth and District Union Public Library hostied two virtual presentations with local author Dr. Shelley Ball regarding her new book: "Lyme Disease and You: A Guide to Navigating Tick Bites, Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Infections."

Invasive Phragmites Webinar
April 22, 2021

The OLA partnered with the FoTW to host this important webinar. Invasive phragmites have been sited on Jebb’s Creek and wetlands in our are; action needs to be taken to prevent further spread. The presentation inclluded how to distinguish between this aggressive species and a closely related native subspecies, mapping the phragmites and how to eradicate them.  

In case you missed the presentation, here are a few resources:

• Inside Ottawa Valley story by Ashley Kulp: ‘Phragmites wakes people up’: Fast spreading invasive plant species storms Lanark County
• CBC story by Robin Miller: 'Murder of the wetlands': Invasive phragmites spreading to Lanark County
• Lanark County brochure: Phragmites: Best Management Practices
• CFRA interview of David Overholt April 25: listen to MP3

Shoreline Plant Sale 2021 - SOLD OUT

OLA members are invited to place an order for shoreline plants subsidized and made available through the RVCA. Two tree species ($2) and three shrub species ($4) are being offered. Place you order by April 11 as supplies are limited. Limit 5 plants per household. Pickup day will be Sat. June 12 at 134 Trillium Point Road. Please place your order with Wendy Coombs or call her at (613) 267-6949.   No order form required. Bring exact cash to pickup.  

Etransfer Your OLA Membership Fees

The OLA Board hopes you and your families are staying healthy during these unusual times.  

In order to continue the work and education around the lake, we do rely on your membership dues. Please consider  paying your $25 dues by e-transfer to financial@ottylakeassociation.ca  The security question to input is "province we live in", and the answer is "Ontario". Please include some identifying details in the message, such as your address, or if you are a couple, both of your names. We have had a few submissions we have struggled to identify!

if you prefer, you can mail a cheque made out to the Otty Lake Association for $25 to Otty Lake Association, Box 20122, Perth, ON K7H 3M6.
 

Updated Lake Map Here

A new map of Otty Lake is being made available to residents and cottagers. This is essentially an update of the 18" x 24" map produced in 2010. More islands and bays have been named, shoals indicated, and the 30 m. reduced speed zone marked to encourage safe boating. Maps will be distributed free by area counsellors to paid up members. Additional copies will be available for $5.00 each.

February Captain Otty's Log

We hope you enjoy reading the February issue of the Log. We welcome contributions from the lake community as well as suggestions for topics you would like covered in future issues. Please take a moment to renew your membership in the OLA. We need your support to continue the work we do!

State of the Lake Report

Nov. 10, 2020. This annual report provides a snapshot of lake conditions and environmental activities. While some programs were limited due to COVID 19, with the help of volunteers we have been able to maintain continuity of data. State of the Lake 2020 is the collaborative effort of Kirsten Brouse, Reid Kilburn and Murray Hunt, with contributions by Derek Smith, Kyla Haley, Rachel Roth, Jenepher Lennox-Terrion and Wally Robins.  

Gypsy Moth Resources

Many Otty Lake residents are reporting gypsy moth infestations in clusters around the lake. We have assembled some resources to help you identify, respond and hopefully manage these outbreaks. 

Crown Island Use

Twenty of the 31 islands in Otty Lake are considered "Crown land". They are owned by the provincial government and managed by Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The public is free to use them, but camping is not permitted on islands smaller than 200 feet across.

Citizen Science

Want to know how you as an individual can contribute to our collective knowledge of the natural world? There are loads of opportunities for you to participate by sharing your observations of bats, birds, snow, invasive species, butterflies, worms, turtles and more. The Lake Links team put together this list of Ontario programs in preparation for this year's annual workshop.

 

Lake Protection is Everyone's Responsibility

The “Lake Protection Workbook: A Self-Assessment Tool for Shoreline Property Owners” is designed for you to self-assess whether activities and uses on your property are protecting Otty Lake. Your property is important to the overall health of our lake - every action matters. For a printed copy of this workbook, contact christine.k@bell.net.   

A Shoreline Owner's Guide to

Healthy Waterfronts

This 28 page guide "offers you background information and advice on ways to make the most of your shoreline property while living in balance with your lake’s fragile ecosystem." There are sections on shorelines, docks, low impact recreation, animal proofing, aquatic plants and lots of other issues every lake front dweller should be aware of.

RVCA Watershed Conditions

The RVCA issues periodic Watershed Conditions Statements.   You can access these  statements on the RVCA website or sign up to be mailed updates.

Radon Testing

Elevated radon levels have been found in homes in every region of the country. Long term exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The only way to know for sure is to test for radon.

About 90 interested residents attended the evening information presentation at the Perth Pool April 2019. Thanks to our guest speakers: Manual Husain, Health Canada Regional Radiation Specialist and Bob Wood, Radiation Mitigation Specialist with Mr. Radon, who also provided five free Radonova long term home radon test kits.

The local Health Unit makes makes test kits available to residents for $20. Check here as they are not available at all locations.

Ticks and Lyme Disease:

This presentation by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit was given to the Lake Networking Group in mid April 2018.

 

Tips for high risk areas from the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation.

 

What what you need to know about tick removal, how to recognize the Lyme Disease rash, and how Lyme disease is diagnosed.    

Black Bears around Otty Lake

Bears Bears are frequently seen in the Otty Lake watershed, and can peacefully coexist with residents.   Educate yourself on their behaviour in case you encounter one.  Bears are attracted to food of any kind, so be careful how you deal with garbage, fruit trees, barbeques and bird feeders. Generally, bears want to avoid humans. Most encounters are not aggressive and attacks are rare.

Emergency: Call 911.

If people, pets or livestock are in immediate danger.

Non Emergency: Call 1-866-514-2327

The Bear Wise reporting line (between April 1 and November 30). A bear passing by, in a tree, breaking into garbage, emptying bird feeders etc.

From Dec 1 to March 31, contact your local MNRF District office. The Kemptville office is (613) 258-8204.

 

 

 

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